After numerous rumours and speculations that Kerala's much-loved pulikali, aka tiger dance of Thrissur, won't happen this year, it will finally go on floors on Wednesday (September 18). The annual show, which will begin at 4 pm at Swaraj Round, will feature around 400 performers in seven groups of deshams across Thrissur, as opposed to five groups last year, reported Manorama News. 'Tigers' of all genders and ages will be part of the event and as per the latest reports, 5 'penpulis' aka female tigers will also be part of the procession. The best of them will also win prizes in various categories like 'best group,' 'best costume,' 'best tiger vehicle aka pulvini,' discipline, tableau and more.
Chamayam expos
As part of the event, expos featuring the chamayam, aka costume and decoration of the event, was held in Thrissur at various venues. The expos were organized by multiple 'desams' or groups that take part in the event, and they featured the costumes that are to be worn by the performers at Pulikali.
Preparations at 'madaas'
The preparations for the event, including the mixing of colours and 'meyyezhuthu', aka painting the bodies of performers, are progressing currently. The process generally takes many hours.